Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers centerRobert Williams III (hamstring) is ruled out for Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Williams has not played so far this season due to a left hamstring strain. The injury occurred in training camp, and he has been rehabbing since. Coach Chauncey Billups said Sunday, " he is getting back out on the court," though Billups was not sure when Williams will suit up again, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reported.

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (hamstring) will be unavailable on Wednesday when the team starts its 2024-25 campaign against Golden State. The injury-prone big man is rehabbing a Grade 1 hamstring strain he suffered in training camp. Williams III was initially ruled out for two weeks, but it's taking him longer to get into game shape. Donovan Clingan should get more playing time due to Williams III's absence. However, the seven-foot-three rookie may not be used much on Wednesday against the dynamic Warriors, who don't have a traditional big man in their starting lineup.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Matisse Thybulle (knee) is expected to miss an extended period of time. Thybulle has been dealing with inflammation in his knee throughout the preseason. He has decided to undergo a procedure that will sideline him for 3-4 weeks. His absence won't make a huge impact considering the Blazers do have depth at the forward spot. The loss of Thybulle should mean more minutes for Kris Murray, Toumani Camara, and Dalano Banton. However, it's not enough playing time to push any of these players into reliable fantasy player territory. The hope is that Thybulle will be back at some point in November or early December.

According to Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com, head coach Chauncey Billups said Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (ankle) practiced Tuesday and could "potentially" play in Wednesday's exhibition contest against Ratiopharm Ulm. Simons has been dealing with minor ankle soreness. If he can't go on Wednesday, the 25-year-old will have another chance to suit up on Friday for Portland's final preseason game. The guard could significantly impact fantasy this season after coming off a strong 2023-24 campaign, averaging 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across just 46 games. His season was limited due to ankle and knee injuries.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder) suffered a posterior labral tear in his left shoulder. As a result, he's expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. The 21-year-old averaged a career-high 15.9 points last season. However, he was limited to 32 games due to an abdominal injury, so the latest update on his health isn't ideal. Unfortunately, it's hard to justify him earning a spot in most fantasy formats to begin the 2024-25 campaign, especially since he was expected to come off the bench. With that in mind, Sharpe is worth monitoring throughout the year in case an injury to Anfernee Simons or Deni Avdija allows him to rejoin the starting unit.